Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA contamination of inanimate surfaces and virus viability in a health care emergency unit. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bruno, R.; Mondelli, M.U.; Brunetti, E.; Di Matteo, A.; Seminari, E.; Maiocchi, L.; Zuccaro, V.; Pagnucco, L.; Ludovisi, S.; Lissandrin, R.; Parisi, A.; Sacchi, P.; Patruno, S.F.A.; Michelone, G.; Gulminetti, R.; Zanaboni, D.; Novati, S.; Maserati, R.; Orsolini, P.; Vecchia, M.; Colaneri, M.; Seminari, E.; Novati, S.; Asperges, E.; Biscarini, S.; Piralla, A.; Percivalle, E.; Cassaniti, I.; Baldanti, F.; Bruno, R.; Mondelli, M.U.;
• Is Part Of: Clinical microbiology and infection. Volume 26:Number 8(2020)
• Page Start: 1094.e1
• Page End: 1094.e5
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Coronavirus disease 2019 -- Environmental contamination -- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 -- Surfaces -- Vero E6 cells; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Diagnostic microbiology -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.05.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1198-743X

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To detect possible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA contamination of inanimate surfaces in areas at high risk of aerosol formation by patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Sampling was performed in the emergency unit and the sub-intensive care ward. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was extracted from swabbed surfaces and objects and subjected to real-time RT-PCR targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and E genes. Virus isolation from positive samples was attempted in vitro on Vero E6 cells. Results: Twenty-six samples were collected and only two were positive for low-level SARS-CoV-2 RNA, both collected on the external surface of continuous positive airway pressure helmets. All transport media were inoculated onto susceptible cells, but none induced a cytopathic effect on day 7 of culture. Conclusions: Even though daily contact with inanimate surfaces and patient fomites in contaminated areas may be a medium of infection, our data obtained in real-life conditions suggest that it might be less extensive than hitherto recognized.